Looking for memorable Mile High fun that won’t break the bank? Check out these 11 fabulous and totally FREE attractions in Denver that won’t cost you a dime! Whether you’re embarking on a family outing or in search of a unique date spot for friends and loved ones, these places promise enjoyment and entertainment without the hefty price tag. Here are the best cheap things to do in Denver – just in time for the penny-pinching holiday season.
- Colorado State Capitol
Robot Brainz/Flickr Reserve a spot on one of the free tours of the Capitol Building and marvel at the immaculate interior, which includes historic stained glass windows, Colorado white granite, rose onyx, and yule marble. Be sure to climb the 99-step spiral staircase of the gold-plated dome for breathtaking views of the Denver skyline and mountains beyond.
- Denver U.S. Mint
Karen/Flickr The U.S. Mint in Denver is one of only two in the United States, and they offer free guided tours lasting about 45 minutes. Just call ahead to reserve a spot.
- Denver Performing Arts Complex
Wally Gobetz/Flickr DPAC is home to many theaters and small stages that offer free, high-quality performances year-round. It operates solely on a first come, first serve basis, so get there early to snag a seat!
- First Friday Art Walk
xroper7/Flickr Probably one of the most wonderful and well-known free events in Denver is the First Friday Art Walk held every month. Works by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists are on display in studios and galleries in the Art District on Sante Fe, as well as Tennyson, RiNo, Belmar, and the Navajo Art District in Littleton. A free feast for the eyes!
- Hammond’s Candies
Amy the Nurse/Flickr Since 1920, Hammond’s Candies has been satisfying the sweet tooth of Denver natives and vacationers with delightful confections such as lollipops, chocolate bars, and ribbon candy. They also provide complimentary factory tours, with no reservation required, and they even shell out free samples at the end. Extraordinary fun for the whole family!
- Coors Brewery
Rob Lee/Flickr “Taste the Rockies” at the world’s largest brewing site located right in Golden, Colorado! Take a free self-guided tour with FREE beer samples at the end and sip on the same Rocky Mountain Spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Afterward, enjoy the charm of the town of Golden, the gateway to the Rockies!
- Denver Botanic Gardens
Valentina S./Yelp Denver Botanic Garens hosts free days throughout the year at both their York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. Find dates and details here.
- Denver Zoo
J K./Yelp The Denver Zoo at City Park also provides free days throughout the year, and you can get more information here.
- Denver Art Museum
Jenifer S./Yelp Not only is general admission free at the Denver Art Museum on the first Saturday of every month, but it’s also free for children 18 and under every day! Unbeatable!
- Clyfford Still Museum
Clyfford Still Museum/Yelp Like DAM, entry for youth at the Clyfford Still Museum is free every day (for kids 17 and under), but they also offer free entry on the last Friday of every month, as well as EVERY Friday from 5-8pm. What a steal!
- Denver Christkindl Market
Denver Christkindl Market/Facebook The Denver Christkindl Market transforms Skyline Park into an authentic “old world” German-inspired Christmas village, complete with twinkling lights, live music, vendors, artisans, and more. The Denver Christkindl Market is located at 16th and Arapahoe Downtown and is open daily from November 18 - December 23, 2016. Event details.
- 9NEWS Parade of Lights
9NEWS Parade of Lights/Facebook The 42nd Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights at the 16th Street Mall will take place Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. This fabulous FREE two-mile parade will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, and special appearances by Santa and Major Waddles the Penguin. Just be sure to bundle up and get there early to secure a spot!
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Matt Santomarco/Flickr Celebrating 75 years of rollicking good times, Red Rocks is much more than a concert venue. The free Visitors Center has a museum and Hall of Fame, and the surrounding park boasts miles of picturesque hiking trails with unmatched views of the Mile High City.
How about some deliciously cheap grub to go along with those free attractions? Here Are 10 Incredible Places You Can Eat In Denver For Less Than $10!
Robot Brainz/Flickr
Reserve a spot on one of the free tours of the Capitol Building and marvel at the immaculate interior, which includes historic stained glass windows, Colorado white granite, rose onyx, and yule marble. Be sure to climb the 99-step spiral staircase of the gold-plated dome for breathtaking views of the Denver skyline and mountains beyond.
Karen/Flickr
The U.S. Mint in Denver is one of only two in the United States, and they offer free guided tours lasting about 45 minutes. Just call ahead to reserve a spot.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
DPAC is home to many theaters and small stages that offer free, high-quality performances year-round. It operates solely on a first come, first serve basis, so get there early to snag a seat!
xroper7/Flickr
Probably one of the most wonderful and well-known free events in Denver is the First Friday Art Walk held every month. Works by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists are on display in studios and galleries in the Art District on Sante Fe, as well as Tennyson, RiNo, Belmar, and the Navajo Art District in Littleton. A free feast for the eyes!
Amy the Nurse/Flickr
Since 1920, Hammond’s Candies has been satisfying the sweet tooth of Denver natives and vacationers with delightful confections such as lollipops, chocolate bars, and ribbon candy. They also provide complimentary factory tours, with no reservation required, and they even shell out free samples at the end. Extraordinary fun for the whole family!
Rob Lee/Flickr
“Taste the Rockies” at the world’s largest brewing site located right in Golden, Colorado! Take a free self-guided tour with FREE beer samples at the end and sip on the same Rocky Mountain Spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Afterward, enjoy the charm of the town of Golden, the gateway to the Rockies!
Valentina S./Yelp
Denver Botanic Garens hosts free days throughout the year at both their York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. Find dates and details here.
J K./Yelp
The Denver Zoo at City Park also provides free days throughout the year, and you can get more information here.
Jenifer S./Yelp
Not only is general admission free at the Denver Art Museum on the first Saturday of every month, but it’s also free for children 18 and under every day! Unbeatable!
Clyfford Still Museum/Yelp
Like DAM, entry for youth at the Clyfford Still Museum is free every day (for kids 17 and under), but they also offer free entry on the last Friday of every month, as well as EVERY Friday from 5-8pm. What a steal!
Denver Christkindl Market/Facebook
The Denver Christkindl Market transforms Skyline Park into an authentic “old world” German-inspired Christmas village, complete with twinkling lights, live music, vendors, artisans, and more. The Denver Christkindl Market is located at 16th and Arapahoe Downtown and is open daily from November 18 - December 23, 2016. Event details.
9NEWS Parade of Lights/Facebook
The 42nd Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights at the 16th Street Mall will take place Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. This fabulous FREE two-mile parade will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, and special appearances by Santa and Major Waddles the Penguin. Just be sure to bundle up and get there early to secure a spot!
Matt Santomarco/Flickr
Celebrating 75 years of rollicking good times, Red Rocks is much more than a concert venue. The free Visitors Center has a museum and Hall of Fame, and the surrounding park boasts miles of picturesque hiking trails with unmatched views of the Mile High City.
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